Returning to work : exploring the lived experience of the cancer survivor

Abstract:

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology study was to explore and describe the meaning employees attribute to the lived experiences of returning to work after cancer treatment. Semi-structured interviews were held with eight participants and a thematic data analysis method was used. The results indicate that cancer survivors experience various challenges that make it difficult to function as they did before the diagnosis when they return to work. A critical hermeneutical reflection against the literature followed the structural analysis and resulted in a contextual framework that incorporated the individual and organisational perspective on the various influences involved in supporting cancer survivors to maintain their wellbeing when they return to work. Four phases, repression, comprehension, activation and reintegration, were identified when they tried to cope/adjust on their return to work. The corresponding forms of organisational support they expected through these phases were labelled motivation, information, navigation and stabilisation.

Citation:Clur, Loraine Sonia (2015) Returning to work : exploring the lived experience of the cancer survivor, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/20054>

Files in this item

Copyright Statement

Items in UNISA Institutional Repository are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. Items may only be viewed and downloaded for private research and study purposes. Please acknowledge publications according to acceptable standards and norms.